Chapter 923: Taking the Formation with Dominance

Silence hung in the air, but soon a cultivator emerged—a Golden Core state level 7 from the south. Ye Mo had just slain Jin Suozhen, but this cultivator, believing the difference between a level 5 and a level 7 Golden Core cultivator to be insurmountable, felt confident in victory. The gap between tertiary and middle stages was significant, he reasoned.

Another tertiary-stage Golden Core cultivator challenging Ye Mo riveted everyone's attention. They eagerly awaited the clash between the newly ascended Ye Mo and this seasoned master.

Ye Mo, holding Zi Xu, calmly observed his opponent. Victory wasn't guaranteed, but with Shadowless, he could ensure a swift kill.

The cultivator approached the formation, fist-saluting Ye Mo. "I am Han Qianye of the Truth Black Sect, a five-star sect of South Peace State. I do not seek combat, but negotiation. One of your Lin Blue Fruits in exchange for my assistance in guarding this formation, along with some spirit stones as compensation."

A collective groan arose from the onlookers; Han Qianye's cunning was palpable. He planned to display his power if Ye Mo refused, forcing compliance. He judged Ye Mo shrewd enough to consider his offer.

"Begone!" Ye Mo spat. The spirit stones were merely a face-saving gesture; Han Qianye craved the Lin Blue Fruit without recompense.

Enraged, Han Qianye's face flushed crimson. His attempt at pressure had backfired, humiliating him before a vast audience.

Without further words, he unleashed a flurry of red lights, resembling abhorrent, writhing insects. These coalesced into a pan-sized blade, teeming with legs like a centipede, and hurtled towards Ye Mo with lethal intent.

Ye Mo frowned; the blade was repulsive, exuding a foul stench. Instantly, he swung Zi Xu, unleashing a whirlpool blade.

A violent explosion followed. Countless blood lights flashed as Zi Xu's spinning sword ray pulverized the blood blade. Despite this, a gash appeared on Ye Mo's clothes, while the whirlpool blade inflicted similar wounds on Han Qianye.

Pale and reeling, Han Qianye staggered back, astonished that a newly ascended Golden Core cultivator could match his cultivation essence.

Ye Mo sneered, retrieving Zi Xu. His own power surged; he needed to impress upon Han Qianye, and others, his superior strength.

Han Qianye, witnessing Ye Mo's rising chi, paled and retreated. He recognized Ye Mo's superior techniques. Though he possessed powerful abilities, this wasn't a battle worth risking his life.

Ye Mo was surprised by Han Qianye's hasty retreat, as were the onlookers. However, they soon recognized Han Qianye's caution, realizing this young primary-stage Golden Core cultivator was no ordinary individual.

Silence returned. Even peak Golden Core cultivators expressed concern. This level 1 cultivator, they speculated, would become an unstoppable force at the tertiary or middle stage.

Ye Mo surveyed the crowd, assured no further challenges were forthcoming. Turning to Guang Wei, he said, "Martial Sister Guang Wei, thank you for your earlier assistance. Come."

Guang Wei, snapping from her stupor, breathed a sigh of relief and approached. She understood Ye Mo’s transformation; he was no longer the solitary pill master. Here, among powerful masters, he was untouchable.

"Thank you, Ye Mo. You saved my life and brought me to this secret land," Guang Wei expressed her gratitude, understanding his thanks were for her prior concern, not romantic interest.

The Immortal Herb Valley's senior martial sister, observing Guang Wei's acceptance, thanked Ye Mo, "Thank you, Martial Brother Ye, for bringing Guang Wei. The Immortal Herb Valley's Liu Yuetang is deeply grateful."

Ye Mo glanced at her, his tone devoid of warmth. "This concerns neither you nor the Immortal Herb Valley. You need not thank me."

Liu Yuetang felt her approach rebuffed. She had underestimated Ye Mo's acumen. He had seen through her opportunistic nature. A peak Golden Core cultivator, she valued practicality above all else; relationships were purely transactional.

Another level 6 Golden Core cultivator, noticing an opening in Ye Mo's formation, quickly approached.

Excitement surged; another challenge? Ye Mo had dispatched Han Qianye with effortless ease, leaving spectators wanting more.

Guang Wei worried, but Ye Mo remained calm and unmoving. His keen senses detected no hostility or gathering power.

The cultivator approached and presented a Spirit Crystal. "I am Qiu Xuanyu of the Blue Sea Sect, from the north like yourself. I acquired this Spirit Crystal recently and merely seek entry to the secret lands."

Examining the crystal, Ye Mo calmly stated, "One is insufficient." He instantly recognized Qiu Xuanyu as a thief attempting a deceptive facade.

The onlookers deemed Ye Mo shameless. Spirit Crystals, though less valuable than extreme-grade spirit stones, were still rare.

Qiu Xuanyu gritted his teeth, producing another crystal. "I only possess two. If that is insufficient, I will withdraw."

Ye Mo understood the abundance at the spirit marrow pond, but its distribution amongst numerous cultivators, with the level 9 cultivators taking the lion's share, would leave Qiu Xuanyu with little even if he had plundered others.

Ye Mo nodded, accepting the crystals. "Then, you may join the formation."